Updated September 2021

New Orleans, is a city full of rich culture and historical sites to see. From the French Quarter to Uptown, there is no shortage of entertainment. For dinner ideas out on the town, check out the list below and try some of these restaurants with unique cuisines and vibrant flavors!


 

JUSTINE 

 

JUSTINE

Located in the French Quarter, Justine is a Parisian Brasserie with a New Orleans twist. The classy restaurant incorporates touches of pink for a feminine flare. Sit at the elegant bar end enjoy a cocktail while you snack on your Escargot starter. For dinner, the Pan Roasted Gulf Fish and Parisian Gnocchi are two very satisfying dishes that will prepare you for your night out on Bourbon Street!

FRENCH QUARTER | DIRECTIONS

photo courtesy of Justine


 

COMMANDER'S PALACE

 

COMMANDER'S PALACE

In the heart of the Garden District, Commander’s Palace has been a classic New Orleans landmark since 1983. With Victorian architecture and a bright blue exterior, Commander’s Palace brings a unique southern charm. The Haute Creole cuisine is some of the best in the city due to the group of renowned chefs that bring the dishes to life. You can’t go wrong with the Shrimp & Grits or the Commander’s Gumbo!

GARDEN DISTRICT | DIRECTIONS

photo courtesy of Commander's Palace


 

ARNAUD'S

 

ARNAUD'S

Located steps from Bourbon Street, Arnaud’s has kept its historical charms since its opening in 1918. Their menu contains a variety of creole dishes from turtle soup to frog legs! The jazz music playing and the dozens of chandeliers on the ceiling provide an upscale feel with a classic New Orleans touch. Arnaud's is also the perfect wedding or party venue to plan your next celebration!

FRENCH QUARTER | DIRECTIONS 

photo courtesy of Arnaud's


 

JACK ROSE

 

Jack Rose

Located in the Pontchartrain Hotel, Jack Rose provides an eclectic creole dining experience with three different rooms, including the Jack Room, Rose Room, and Rose Garden Patio. For large groups up to 200 people, they provide a set menu with unique dishes such as the citrus and citrus seared tuna, squid ink fettucine and the mile-high pie for dessert. After your meal, take advantage of the photo opportunities with the vibrant art on the walls, especially the striking Lil Wayne portrait. 

GARDEN DISTRICT | DIRECTIONS

photo courtesy of Jack Rose


 

LE PETITE GROCERY

 

LE PETITE GROCERY 

Set in a long-standing grocery store that is over a century old, Le Petite Grocery has a quaint cottage feel. Award winning chef, Justin Devillier, curated a delightful menu with a Cajun twist, such as the Blue Crab Beignets and the Turtle Bolognese. This charming bistro is the cutest dinner spot, but don’t forget to order the Butterscotch Pudding before strolling down the historical Magazine Street! 

MAGAZINE STREET | DIRECTIONS 

photo courtesy of Le Petite Grocery


 

AUCTION HOUSE MARKET

 

AUCTION HOUSE MARKET

Why pick just one option for dinner when you can go to five all in one place! Auction House Market is a food hall in downtown New Orleans with vendors who sell various cuisines from noodles, tacos, and sandwiches to sushi, gumbo, and oysters! Snack on a charcuterie board while you enjoy your cocktail at the most elegant bar in the center of the food hall. Make sure you don’t leave without getting an ice cream sandwich from the Parish Bakery! 

WAREHOUSE DISTRICT | DIRECTIONS 

photo courtesy of Auction House Market 


 

JOSEPHINE ESTELLE 

 

JOSEPHINE ESTELLE

An upscale Italian restaurant inside the Ace Hotel, Josephine Estelle promises a glamorous New Orleans night out. Start off your meal with the JE Fried Chicken Starter, then for mains order the Canestri pasta and the 48 hour Braised Beef Short Rib. After dinner, head up to the hotel’s rooftop bar, Alto, to take in the scenic view of downtown New Orleans. 

DOWNTOWN | DIRECTIONS

photo courtesy of Josephine Estelle


 

CURIO

 

CURIO

As a French Quarter classic, Curio is where you want to experience authentic New Orleans food. Their food takes a Creole twist on American cuisine, such as the Crawfish Étouffée and their famous gumbo! Sit on the upstairs balcony to truly experience the ambience of the Quarter and listen to the jazz music play in the streets. Bourbon Street is just one block over, so enjoy a hurricane or sazerac as a post dinner drink while taking in the vivacious atmosphere!

FRENCH QUARTER | DIRECTIONS 

photo courtesy of Curio


 

SUPERIOR SEAFOOD

 

SUPERIOR SEAFOOD

One of the most popular Tulane hotspots in town, Superior Seafood is a lively dinner spot with an oyster bar. Their seafood is truly superior to the rest in the city, especially the Salmon Lafitte and Pasta de la Mer. For drinks, order the refreshing frozen Pomegranate Mojito or the frozen French 75. Go for a ride on the Streetcar down St Charles Avenue after dinner to see all of the historical Victorian mansions. 

UPTOWN | DIRECTIONS

photo courtesy of Superior Seafood


 

SOFIA

 

SOFIA

If you are looking for a relaxed, but upbeat environment, Sofia is the ideal dinner spot for you. With authentic Italian cuisine, their Pasta alla Vodka and Salsiccia pizza are palatable options. Sofia even offers vegetarian options, such as the Primavera Pizza. Insider tip: ask your server for delicious bread options not featured on the menu. Create a custom spritz where you can choose from four bases and three flavors to personalize your own cocktail!

WAREHOUSE DISTRICT | DIRECTIONS

photo courtesy of Sofia


 

COMPÉRE LAPIN

 

COMPÉRE LAPIN

The cuisine at Compére Lapin brings a Caribbean and European flare to New Orleans style food. This unique flavor pairing makes for a deliciously diverse menu. Expand your pallet by trying the West African Peanut Soup or the Curried Goat and Sweet Potato Gnocchi. After dinner, head on over to the French Quarter for an entertaining night out!

WAREHOUSE DISTRICT | DIRECTIONS

photo courtesy of Compére Lapin


 

COPPER VINE

 

COPPER VINE

As the name implies, Copper Vine has an extensive wine list that pairs perfectly with their artisanal flatbreads. Hot menu items are the La Crawfish Beignets, Bianca Flatbread, and the Crawfish & Andouille Gnocchi. The courtyard and balcony dining provide a tropical scenery in the heart of the business district. Wine tastings and private dinners are also available to reserve for large parties 8-50 people. Before you leave, you must try the Bananas Foster Rum Cake or their Beignets!

CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT | DIRECTIONS 

photo courtesy of Copper Vine 


 

SHAYA

 

SHAYA

This Middle Eastern restaurant combines Israeli cuisine with Southern flavors, creating a unique menu with options for everyone. The fried chicken hummus, baba ganoush, lamb kofte, and unlimited pita bread all flavorful options. Shaya is located on Magazine Street, which is one of the most eventful streets in New Orleans, so stop by Tipitina’s music venue after dinner for a show! 

MAGAZINE STREET | DIRECTIONS 

photo courtesy of Shaya


 

MERIL

 

MERIL

Chef Emeril Lagasse’s Contemporary American restaurant, Meril, is a place where you want to bring your greatest appetite. The open kitchen concept creates an energetic and inclusive atmosphere with a large bar area. Some of Emeril’s favorite dishes on the menu are his wood fired flatbreads, Korean Style Beef Short Ribs, and the Hand Rolled Gnudi. He also offers a special daily dinner menu to mix up the flavors; the Thursday night Paella is a fan favorite!

WAREHOUSE DISTRICT | DIRECTIONS 

photo courtesy of Meril


 

GAUTREAU'S

 

GAUTREAU'S 

Gautreau’s is an upscale restaurant with a lush garden scenery in Uptown New Orleans. The Chilled Foie Gras and Filet Mignon are two delectable dishes from the New American-French menu. End your meal with the rich Chocolate Bouchon dessert and a glass of wine. 

UPTOWN | DIRECTIONS 

photo courtesy of Gautreau's 


 

WILLIE MAE'S SCOTCH HOUSE

 

WILLIE MAE'S SCOTCH HOUSE

Since 1957, Willie Mae’s Scotch House has been cooking up homestyle southern food. This is the spot for authentic fried shrimp, chicken, and catfish, but don’t forget to order the mouthwatering sides. Willie Mae’s puts soul into their food, making it a hidden gem that you do not want to miss out on!

MID CITY | DIRECTIONS 

photo courtesy of Willie Mae's Scotch House